Isuzu, a Japanese automobile manufacturer, plans to create a test track for autonomous vehicles.
Isuzu Motors Limited, a leading name in Japan's logistics and passenger transport sectors, has announced plans to establish Japan's first dedicated autonomous driving test course for commercial vehicles. The course, part of Isuzu's mid-term business plan, is set to be a significant step towards the company's leadership in autonomous driving for commercial vehicles.
The test course, spanning approximately 190,000 square metres, will be built within the Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Ground (IHPG) in Mukawa, Hokkaido. It will include simulated urban streets, highway entry and exit sections, and rural roads, providing a controlled environment for testing high-risk scenarios without endangering other road users.
The course is expected to support the creation of safety standards, certification processes, and operational guidelines for autonomous driving. Full-scale operations are scheduled to begin in September 2027, with a new research and maintenance facility constructed alongside the track to provide workspace for partners.
The project leader for establishing Japan's first autonomous truck test track within the Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Grounds in Mukawa, Hokkaido, is Kosuke Matsumoto. The course is designed to accommodate large vehicles, such as articulated buses and heavy truck trailers, and is intended to become a hub for open innovation and a center for autonomous driving research and development.
Isuzu has stated its intention to introduce Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses in the 2027 financial year. The company positions autonomous driving as one response to the pressures faced by the logistics and passenger transport sectors due to demographic change, including an ageing population and a shortage of drivers.
Collaboration with national and local governments, as well as research institutions, is planned. Isuzu also intends to open the test course to external organisations, including startups, suppliers, and infrastructure specialists, to foster innovation and advancements in the field of autonomous driving.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the test course was held on 27 August 2025, with approximately 40 participants in attendance. The course is envisioned to play a crucial role in Isuzu's efforts to lead the way in autonomous driving, providing a safe and controlled environment for the reproduction of complex scenarios more safely than on public roads.
